Thomas Davidson

Thomas Davidson, (born May 17, 1817, Edinburgh, Scot.—died Oct. 14, 1885, Brighton, Sussex, Eng.), Scottish naturalist and paleontologist who became known as an authority on lamp shells, a phylum of bottom-dwelling marine invertebrates (Brachiopoda) whose fossils are among the oldest found.

Davidson studied at the University of Edinburgh (1835–36) and on the Continent, where he participated in several geologic tours. Soon afterward, he began a study of brachiopods that was to occupy his entire life. An accomplished painter, Davidson prepared 250 excellent plates for his classic Monograph of the British Fossil Brachiopoda, 6 vol. (1851–86). He is also known for his exhaustive memoirRecent Brachiopoda.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen, Corrections Manager.

Inspire your inbox –
Sign up for daily fun facts about this day in history, updates, and special offers.

By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica.
Click here to view our Privacy Notice. Easy unsubscribe links are provided in every email.

Thank you for subscribing!

Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox.